High-resolution computed tomography findings of lung cancer associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of lung cancer associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: Thirty patients with lung cancer who had preceding IPF and were receiving regular follow-up between 1993 and 2002 were examined. Medical records, radiographs (including HRCT scans), and histologic slides were reviewed. Results: In 28 of the 30 patients, the most common HRCT pattern of lung cancer was a nodular lesion with soft tissue attenuation. Nodule margins were well defined in 23 lesions (82.1%), associated with lobulation in 24 (85.7%), or characterized by spiculation in 14 (50%). Air bronchogram was observed in 16 lesions (57.1%). All nodules were located in the peripheral area of fibrotic lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were the most frequent histologic types. Conclusions: The typical HRCT findings of lung cancer were well-defined nodular lesions with lobulation in peripheral areas of the lung.